(Calif.) The number of teachers working outside their authorized area of specialty at the state’s lowest performing schools increased for the first time in 15 years after hitting record lows in 2015–but some education officials say the problem is likely worse than what’s been reported.

(Mass.) Leaders of the nation’s highest performing school system have renewed a lobby campaign aimed at getting Massachusetts lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Baker to update the state’s 25-year-old formula for funding public education.

(Calif.) While schools have had some success in reducing chronic absenteeism, expulsion and dropout rates throughout the state, more targeted efforts will be needed to improve outcomes of Native American youth, according to a report released this month from the California School Boards Association.

(Hawaii) Close to half of teachers in Hawaii are leaving the profession or the state altogether within five years of entering the classroom, posing a significant problem for the state Education Department, which is already facing issues in attracting teachers.

(Calif.) State officials have begun sorting through applications for a share of the $50 million Teacher Residency Grant program, one of two funded in this year’s budget aimed at improving the state’s teacher shortage.

(Calif.) Child poverty in California would be reduced by 50 percent over 20 years under new policy and spending recommendations supported by Governor-elect Gavin Newsom and many non-profit and community-based organizations.